The Toyota Caldina (Japanese: トヨタ・カルディナ, Toyota Karudina) is an automobile manufactured by Toyota for the Japanese market from 1992 to 2007. It replaced the Corona and Carina wagons, and was sold at Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations in Japan. While the Caldina has never been officially exported by Toyota, its All-Trac 4WD capability and large capacity have made it a popular grey import in Australia, New Zealand, Russia and many South American countries. When it was discontinued in 2007, the T270 series Avensis wagon/estate assumed its market position.
| Toyota Caldina | |
|---|---|
 2002-2004 Toyota Caldina GT-Four (ST246, Japan) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | November 1992 – June 2007 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | |
| Successor | Toyota Avensis wagon (T270) |
According to Toyota, the name "Caldina" is inspired by the Italian (and English) adjective "cardinal", meaning "essential" or "fundamental".[1]
First generation (T190; 1992)
edit| First generation | |
|---|---|
 Pre-facelift Toyota Caldina 2.0 TZ (ST191G) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | T190 |
| Also called | Toyota Corona/Carina E (T190) |
| Production |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door station wagon/van |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm (101.6 in) |
| Length | 4,545 mm (178.9 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,450–1,555 mm (57.1–61.2 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Toyota Succeed (van) |
The first-generation Caldina is a 5-door wagon and commercial van version of the Corona/Carina sedan in Japan. It became treated as a separate line, with a new emphasis on the passenger-oriented station wagon model as a response to the runaway success of the Subaru Legacy wagon in Japan. The Caldina was introduced in November 1992 and built until 2002. The wagon has independent strut rear suspension while the commercial wagon has semi-independent leaf springs. Van models' chassis numbers are in the 196-199 range and receive a "V" suffix, while the wagons are 190-195 and carry a "G" suffix. In January 1996, the Caldina underwent a subtle facelift, including a new dashboard, a new grille, and a redesigned bootlid with redesigned taillights. The new dashboard was the same design as the one installed in the simultaneously introduced Corona Premio (T210), enabling the fitment of a passenger airbag. At this time, the 1.8-litre engine was also changed over from the 4S to the lean-burn 7A engine. The 2-litre 3S-FE engine produces 140 PS (103 kW), 135 PS (99 kW) when coupled with four-wheel drive. Arriving in February 1995, the more powerful, wide-angle 3S-GE in the TZ-G was only available with 4WD and produces 175 PS (129 kW), ten horsepower less when fitted with the automatic transmission.
Special versions of the Caldina Wagon included the Sky Canopy, introduced in February 1993. This version had a taller, partially glazed roof although it offered no additional space inside. It also could not accommodate most roof racks and by the time of the January 1996 facelift it was replaced with the Aerial, which has a taller roof to accommodate a 60 cm (24 in) long, sliding sunroof. The Aerial also received different headlights, with black "masks" between the reflectors, and clearer taillights with a more distinct, faceted pattern. The Aerial's head- and taillights were later installed on a number of run-out special editions including the Limited, Lanner, and Excellent Package.[2] The later Field Hunter cashed in on Japan's so-called "RV boom" - versions of station wagons and small vans with offroad pretensions. The Field Hunter received an externally mounted spare wheel, which increased the overall length to the point that it was no longer classified as a "compact car", placing it in a much higher tax category. The popularity of light, passenger-based commercial vehicles was waning at this time in Japan; the Mark II Van (X70) was discontinued without a direct successor in 1997, leaving only the Crown and Caldina Vans. While sales of the Caldina Wagon ended in September 1997, the Van continued to be sold until July 2002.
The Caldina Van received another light facelift in August 1999, which is also when the naturally aspirated diesel was upgraded to a 2.2-litre version (the turbo-diesel was only ever available in the Caldina Wagon).[3] ABS brakes were made standard, while crash protection was improved. The 2-litre 3S-FE gasoline engine also became available in the Caldina Van, only in combination with the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (ECT) and four-wheel drive.[4]
In Europe, the wagon was part of the Carina E family, while in New Zealand it was sold as the Corona. The vans were generally not exported. The 1.6-litre 4A engine (AT190) was only installed in export versions; these also typically kept the pre-facelift tailgate since the redesigned type was not able to accommodate the wider, European license plates.
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Caldina Van -
Caldina Van -
Caldina 2.0 TZ 4WD (ST195G; facelift, Japan) -
Caldina 2.0 TZ 4WD (ST195G; facelift, Japan) -
Caldina 2.0 TZ Aerial (ST191G; facelift, Japan)
Second generation (T210; 1997)
edit| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 1997 Caldina 2.0 G (ST215G; pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | T210 |
| Also called | Toyota Avensis (T220) |
| Production | September 1997 – September 2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door station wagon |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm (101.6 in) |
| Length | 4,520 mm (178.0 in) |
| Width | 1,695–1,720 mm (66.7–67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,475–1,570 mm (58.1–61.8 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,280 kg (2,822 lb) |
The second-generation Caldina is the Japanese version of the European Avensis wagon with door handles taken from the E110 series Corolla and the T210 series Corona Premio, launched in Japan in September 1997.
Engines include a 1.8 L 7A-FE petrol, the 2.0 L 3S-FE petrol and the 2.2 L 3C-TE turbo-diesel. The All-Trac four-wheel drive models are coded ST215, and were also offered as Active Sports GT models with the 3S-GE engine. The top-of-the-line GT-T came with the turbocharged 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) fourth-generation 3S-GTE engine, and included a viscous-coupling all-wheel drive system similar to the Celica GT-Four.[5] The GT-T also came with optional VSC (standard on Active Sports versions). Other options available on the GT and GT-T models included replacing the dashboard storage compartment with either Toyota's voice navigation system, or a multi-function display.[6] Aerial versions of the Caldina feature a large sunroof and contoured roof racks as standard. Weighing 1,440 kg (3,175 lb), the manual Caldina GT-T has a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 6.4 seconds, with the automatic version only 0.1 seconds slower.[7]
The Toyota Caldina model lineup more in-depth (Pre-Facelift, 1997-1999), included the following: (Made by RWN_WRC on Instagram fellow Caldina Owner)
Toyota Caldina E (1.8L 7A-FE Lean-Burn Engine, the 2.0L 3S-FE or the 2.2L 3C-TE Diesel Turbo) The Toyota Caldina E was the base-model of the Caldina and had the three engine options listed above as options. A 4WD option was available for the 3S-FE engine while the 3C-TE was standard with V-Flex Fulltime 4WD and no FWD option available for it. The 7A-FE were all FWD and no AWD variant was ever produced. Transmission options included a 5-Speed Manual transmission as standard for the 1.8L and 2.0L engines or a 4-Speed ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) Automatic Transmission was offered as an option. Meanwhile the 2.2L Diesel was only available as a 4-Speed ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) Automatic Transmission. Standard equipment include *Dual SRS airbags (Driver and Passenger) and *SRS Side Airbags for both driver and passenger located on the outside bolsters of the seats, steel wheels, *a 12v socket (DC12V) located beside the front ashtray and one located at the rear cargo area, UV-cut window flass (For both Front and Rear Windows), Gray Faced Gauges, *ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), *GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) Collision Safety Body, *a Centre Storage unit with an electronic clock, *Power Mirrors/Power Folding Mirros and Manually Operated-Airconditioning as the standard equipment for the E (*Also standard for all higher trim models of Caldina).
Toyota Caldina G (2.0L 3S-FE 140PS M/T, 135PS A/T) The Toyota Caldina G was a higher trim compared to the E and had only the 3S-FE engine available. FWD and a 5-Speed Manual Transmission was standard but 4WD was optional alongside the 4-Speed ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) Automatic Transmission. This trim receives numerous upgrades compared to the E exterior and interior wise. The Caldina G has these as Standard Equipment, 14" Alloy Wheels 185/64R14), *a Top-Mounted rear hatch spoiler, *Painted Trim on the Front/Rear and Side (Caldina E had black plastic), *Automatic Climate Controls (Electronically Operated with an LCD screen that can also display Outside Temperature), Gray Faced Gauges, *a Keyfob that allows for remote controlled Unlock/Locking of the doors, * 6-Speaker System, a Single DIN Toyota OEM radio with AM/FM and Cassette Player (Logic Control Deck) and an A and B power socket (AC100V) located in the rear passenger area under the ashtray (*Standard Equipment for the remaining models).
Toyota Caldina 4WD GT (2.0L 3S-GE BEAMS VVT-i 190PS A/T) The Toyota Caldina GT is one of the two performance oriented trims of the Caldina. This model features the V-Flex Fulltime 4WD system that the 2.2L 3C-TE model uses albeit with some differences mechanically. V-Flex Fulltime 4WD is a system that uses a viscous coupling differential that is speed-sensitive infront of the rear wheels distributes power to the front and rear wheels according to the vehicles speed and surface conditions. This essentially allows it to distribute power from FWD to AWD automatically depending on driving conditions. During a straight line drive it acts almost as a FWD because of the difference in rotation speed (Of the Differential) is so small but still sends a small amount of power to the rear wheels keeping it in 4WD, the system then distributes power to the rear wheels making the handling similar to AWD under these driving conditions, when accelerating, cornering or when road surface becomes slippery provides stability an AWD system can provide. The Caldina GT includes upgrades in the handling department such as 15" Ventilated Brake Discs, 2-Piston Brake Calipers, a Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential) located in the rear differential and the infamous 2.0L 3S-GE BEAMS VVT-i engine which produces 190PS and paired to a 4-Speed ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) Automatic Transmission. No manual transmission and FWD option was ever offered for the GT model. Exterior changes to the Caldina GT included 15" Alloy Wheels (195/60R15), GT badging located in the left of the hatch and a Sporty Grille with the GT logo in the middle. The interior received small changes throughout such as *Blue Face Gauges, *New Seats with a different pattern and larger side bolstering, *a Leather Wrapped 3-Spoke Steering Wheel, **Sunroof with Tilt and Opening Function, *a Double DIN Toyota OEM Radio with AM/FM, *Cassette Player (Logic Control Deck) and a 6-Disc CD Changer as standard, an option of a **Satellite Navigation Unit with Voice Navigation or an **Information Screen (Displays a Compass, KM/L (Fuel Consumption Data), Average Speed, Radio Channel Presets and many more Compass Navigation Related features) was offered as a replacement for the Centre Storage Unit. (*Standard Equipment **Optional Equipment for Caldina GT-T)
Toyota Caldina GT-T (2.0L 3S-GTE Turbocharged 260PS M/T and A/T) The Toyota Caldina GT-T was the pinnacle of the Toyota Caldina range, it boasted a 2.0L 3S-GTE which was Turbo-Intercooled producing 260PS (Via ATA Top-Mount Intercooler) and had a Fulltime 4WD system. The standard transmission was a 5-Speed Manual Transmission with a Limited Slip Differential (With Viscous Coupling) in the middle and a Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential) for the rear differential. A new Automatic Transmission was available which was still a 4-Speed Automatic Transmission but with the addition of Manual Mode. This meant that the driver could select their own gears through the steering wheel shift buttons, 2 buttons were positioned in the face of the wheel which were both Downshift Buttons and 2 buttons were positioned behind the steering wheel and were the Upshift buttons. The Automatic GT-T included changes in the drivetrain and did not include a Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential) and was replaced by an Open Differential Unit, in replacement for the removed LSD (Limited Slip DIfferential), the GT-T Automatic included VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) which was Toyota's system of Traction/Stability Control. The GT-T included an exhaust system that was ahead of it's time by having a valve-controlled muffler, this is a ECU operated system that will open/close one of the exhaust tips depending on the RPM. If you are Idling or Driving in the low RPM range, there would only be one exhaust tip open (The left tip would always be open), once RPM increases during acceleration the valve for the right exhaust tip opens allowing for a less-restrictive exhaust bumping response and sound. The advantage of this system is by having allowing for a quieter drive when driving normally but allows for a more responsive and a slightly louder drive when the car is being pushed. Changes in the exterior include a hood scoop that allows air to enter the Top-Mount Intercooler which is only available for the GT-T model and a twin exit exhaust tip (A single tip exhaust was used for the GT). Exterior wise it is very similar to the GT Caldina. Same goes for the interior and includes Blue Faced Gauges that reach 9000RPM and a small centre display that shows what gear it is currently in (Only in the GT-T A/T).
The Pre-Facelift Toyota Caldina includes various Optional Sub-Trims for all the models. These include the Active Sports (GT and GT-T), Touring Version, Aerial (G and GT-T), JIGLEG (RVex edition of Caldina only available for the GT), Sporty Edition (GT and GT-T), Field Edition (GT-T) and Dressy Edition.
The Caldina Active Sports were only offered for the Performance oriented trims which were the GT and GT-T. These were only cosmetic changes for the Caldina and no performance gains were available with the Active Sports. Changes cosmetically included a new set of split headlights, more sports oriented Grille (Same Grille offered in the Sport Edition), new Front Bumper, Side-Skirts and Rear Bumper. An "Active Sports" sticker in red was also placed in the front doors positioned under the door mirrors as part of the Active Sports. An optional middle decklid spoiler for the rear hatch was also offered (This decklid spoiler was also Standard in the Touring Version and was an optional extra for all other models).
The Caldina Touring Version was available for all models apart from the Caldina E. This was an aero package that included the following: A Decklid Spoiler for the rear hatch, Front, Side and Rear Bumper Mudguards and a Front Bumper Protector. The Touring Version affects the aerodynamics of the Caldina by altering the body shape with the Mudguards, Front Bumper Protector and Decklid Spoiler grants the Caldina Touring a Drag Coefficient of 0.32 (FF Vehicle with a Normal Roof/Front Sunroof). This package contributes to improved vehicle stability, quietness an fuel efficiency.
The Caldina Aerial was available for the G and GT-T models and was centred around changes to the roof. These changes includes the Aerial Panoramic Moonroof which covers the whole passenger area and can be opened to allow air to enter the cabin, an Aerial Roof deflector to allow for smoother and quieter entrance of air into the cabin and an integrated roofrail with a rear spoiler. This version removes the original Top-Mounted spoiler seen in the normal G and GT-T models in return of the integrated roof spoiler.
The Toyota Caldina JIGLEG was an RVex exclusive version of the Caldina which was only offered for the Caldina GT. These changes included a Silver or Gold sticker enhancement pack which is similar to flames and a RVex Lowering kit which provides a 40mm drop in ride height.
The Toyota Caldina Sporty Version was a dealer option that cost 238,100¥, this was a cosmetic package and did not offer any performance gains for the caldina. Some of the options are available for all models while some are restricted for the GT and GT-T models (Options only available for the GT and GT-T will be marked with *). This package included a Front Splitter for 31,000¥, Headlight Garnish Covers for 11,000¥, Sports Grille available for 21,000¥ (This grille is the same one used for the Caldina Active Sports), a Caldina Sporty sticker for 6,100¥ (Located behind the rear windows), a 5-Stripe Caldina sticker for 11,000¥ (Positioned on the side of the car), *TOM'S 15" Aluminium Wheels (215/60R15) for 39,000¥ per Wheel or 148,000¥ for a set and a Rear Taillight Garnish Cover for 11,000¥.
The Toyota Caldina Field Verison was a dealer option that was an outdoor/camping oriented option set and was available for the GT-T only for 142,000¥. This package included a Blue Caldina Side Stripe for 20,000¥, Aluminium Cladding Panel for the bottom parts of the doors for 29,000¥, a Roofrail Mounted Awning for 40,000¥, a Multi System RV Rack for 16,000¥ and a Bike Rack Attachment for the Rack for and additional 15,000¥ and a Window Visors (RV) for 22,000¥.
The Dressy Version was a dealer option that was a cosmetic package that made the Caldina more stylish and cost 79,700¥. This package includes a Chrome Grille (Excluding the GT and GT-T Grille) for 11,000¥, a Chrome Rear Bumper Protector for 12,000¥, a Rear Caldina Sticker for the Rear Window for 10,000¥, a Chrome Rear Number Plate/Grab Handle Garnish for 12,000¥, a Blue Caldina Stripe for 14,000¥, Chrome Side Moulding (For E Touring Version, G, GT and GT-T) and a Chrome Side Mirror for 8,700¥.
A refresh was given in 2000 with new plastic bumpers, plastic headlights, and updated taillights. The mostly-plastic interior was also updated with notable additions including a new white gauge cluster, as well as minor chrome and faux-wood touches to the 2.0G model, amongst other changes across the model range.
In 2001, an extra lug was added to the turbo manifold to prevent the manifold from warping which had been a common issue on GT-T models.[8] Reliability of the GT-T engines proved to be a concern throughout the lifespan of the 3S powered GT-Ts, with spun main bearings and shattered oil pump gears being common issues amongst owners.[citation needed]
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2000 Caldina 2.0 E (ST215G; facelift, Japan) -
Caldina 2.0 G 4WD (ST215G; facelift, Japan) -
Caldina GT-T (ST215W; pre-facelift, Japan) -
Caldina GT-T (ST215W; pre-facelift, Japan) -
Caldina GT-T (ST215W; facelift, Japan)
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Third generation (T240; 2002)
edit| Third generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 2003 Caldina 1.8 X (ZZT241W; pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | T240 |
| Production | September 2002 – June 2007 |
| Assembly | Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Tsutsumi plant)[9] |
| Designer | Shogo Tokutake and Tetsu Endo[10] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door station wagon |
| Platform | Toyota MC platform |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,510 mm (177.6 in) |
| Width | 1,740 mm (68.5 in) |
| Height | 1,445 mm (56.9 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,240–1,490 kg (2,734–3,285 lb) |
The third-generation Caldina launched in September 2002 was marketed as a pure sports wagon and does not share body panels with Allion, Premio and Avensis. It had way shorter overhangs compared to the previous model with a longer wheelsbase but a shorter length, and featured a overall lower height with a fastback-like rear design for better aerodynamics and a sportier appearance. Like other Toyota's, it made a switch to the MC Platform while using the "sportier" version of that platform (F: MacPherson, R: Double Wishbone) shared with the Celica, Avensis, JDM Blade (Sports version of the Auris/Corolla) and many others. The lineup also got simplified, with no diesel engine and new generation AZ and ZZ engines featuring VVT-i, the 3S-FE was replaced by the 1ZZ-FE and the 3S-GE by the less powerful 1AZ-FSE.
The car also featured an optional reversing camera and standard GPS navigation.
Engines for the Caldina are 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE, 2.0 L 1AZ-FSE and 2.0 L turbocharged 3S-GTE, marking the final 5th/4.5th gen of the legendary 3S-GTE. Trim levels are 1.8 X, 1.8 Z, 2.0 Z, 2.0 ZT and for the GT-Four: GT-four, more luxurious C-Edition and the very special N-Edition (specified below). The ZT is a sportier variant of the Z featuring a special bodykit. All models have an automatic transmission and the GT-Four model only comes in a tiptronic transmission with a "+" "-" selector on the auto gear switcher, making the experience a bit similar to a sequential gearbox used in rallying.
The top-of-the-line Caldina carried the legendary Celica's trim level and engine, and GT-Four AWD system for traction on all surfaces and making the car a real sleeper. Like the older generations of Celica GT-Four, the only engine for the ST246 Caldina GT-Four is the 3S-GTE. Like the Celicas, the car featured a hood scoop to fed air to the top mount air-to-air intercooler, whcih was smaller than in previous iterations of the 3S-GTE (Oil Cooler removed as well), but retained the same power output of 256HP as the 4th gen used in the Caldina GT-T. the GT-Four had a curb weight of about 1480kg.
As a tribute to Toyota's motorsports development guru and the creator of the first Celica GT-Four (as well as all Celica generations and other legends, like the LFA and 2000GT), Hiromu Naruse, a special edition Caldina GT-Four was produced, the Caldina GT-Four N Edition (N for Naruse).[citation needed] This model was equipped with several performance enhancements specified by Naruse and tuned on the B-Roads around the Nürburgring, making it a B-Road weapon similar to the Celica, which also ruled on gravel:[11][12]
- Sports ABS
- Improved shocks with a monotube design and altered spring ratings
- Front upper strut bar
- Torsen rear LSD
- Recaro front seats and interior trim
Curb weight of the N Edition was about 1490kg, slightly higher than the normal GT-Four due to the LSD and the additonal performance equiqment giving it even more rally car like handling.
Facelift was given in January 2005. The Caldina received restyled front end with the new bumper and grille, and the rear combination lamps were also revised.
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Pre-facelift Caldina 2.0 ZT (AZT241) -
Pre-facelift Caldina GT-Four (ST246) -
Facelift Caldina ZT 4WD (AZT246W, Japan) -
Facelift Caldina ZT 4WD (AZT246W, Japan)
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Production of the third-generation Caldina ended in mid-2007 without a direct successor, but is indirectly replaced with the T270 series Avensis wagon/estate imported from the UK.
References
edit- ^ "Data: Origin of a car's name". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ カルディナ特別仕様車 [Caldina Special Editions] (catalog) (in Japanese), Toyota Motor Corporation, October 1996, pp. 3–9, TA2503-9610
- ^ "Caldina Van: In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification". 75 Years of TOYOTA: Vehicle Lineage. Toyota Motor Corporation. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
- ^ "トヨタ、カルディナ バンを一部改良 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 公式企業サイト". global.toyota. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
- ^ "Caldina 215 4WD". Eugenio,77. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Toyota Caldina 1997 T210". Toyota Motor Corporation. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Toyota Caldina GT-T". 1001Moteurs. Archived from the original on 2020-01-21.
- ^ "3S-GTE Generations". Faster Than Jesus. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
- ^ "History of Kanto Auto Works". Kanto-aw.co.jp. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
- ^ US D520909, Tokutake, Shogo & Endo, Tetsu, "Motor vehicle and/or toy replica thereof", issued 2006-05-16, assigned to Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
- ^ "Toyota Caldina GT-Four N — sports car of the New Age". 2012-11-06.
- ^ Roads Untraveled (2022-02-28). The JDM Caldina GT-Four Turbo Should’ve Been So Much Better. | Rally Dreams. Retrieved 2024-12-02 – via YouTube.
